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NewSixCoupe

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Hi Guys.

Looking to replace the ugly "Fireball" EI w/ a concealed Pertronix. Can anyone identify the type of distributor in my coupe?

Thanks.
 

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Fireball and Pertronix

It appears to be a standard version Bosch. On the side of the body will be a series of numbers stamped which will tell you exactly which one of the several BMW used. ( All basicaly the same, maybe a little different advance curve.) The workbook will tell you more after that.

The Crane Fireball box is a multispark; as like in MSD.

A pertronix that fits a standard distributer for a BMW 6 cylinders will fit with what you want to do. Carefully identify the wiring on the Fireball to revert back to a more stock wiring with Pertronix.

Hope this helps....
 
It appears you have the correct dizzy with advance and retard vacuum lines and are good to go but make sure. Early coupes had advance only and take a different Pertonics unit.
 
Yes. But comes at the price of not being original. Crane is out of business now as far as I know.

On a relatively stock engine, the points or pertronix work well; so moving back to that for originality would be preferred by some. Pertronix being more optimal from a maintenance standpoint of not have to adjust points, dwell, and timing. My personal opinion is that even points cost more money so going to a Pertronix or similar is a good solution. Cost less over time and better running for less maintenance.

I run points- I don't mind the tune ups and I have a stash of them which will run out sometime. But I've seriously considered the change over. There's a company in Austin which sells basically the same product at less cost. They're on Ebay.

Now if I were building up a hot rod motor, I would go a different route.:-D
 
Thanks. Is there any advantage to a multi spark system?

Not really, especially if your single strike unit is working properly. Above about 3000 rpm you don't get multiple strikes, so the benefit may lie in the perception of a better idle. I use a MSD unit on mine simply because I had it laying around when I wanted to convert to an electronic ignition.
 
+1 on Pertronix, I bought mine from Carl Nelson - he can tell you which one you need and his price is as good as any. I've been running it for 8 months - starts on first crank and no piddly adjustments to points. Maybe I will give all my extra points and condensors to 61Porsche so he can keep fiddling. :mrgreen:

I do keep a spare set of points/condensor in the trunk in case the Pertronix fails for some reason.

It appears you have the correct dizzy with advance and retard vacuum lines and are good to go but make sure. Early coupes had advance only and take a different Pertonics unit.
 
If you want a pertronix set, i have one available. I bought it 2 weeks ago from Carl N. While it was on its way to me, i happened across the Mallory mechanical adv. dizzy that i've been looking for for years and bought it (i'm running triple webers so the vac adv/retard does me no good). So the pertronix is up for grabs. From the pictures, it looks like you have the same stock distributor that i do so it should be the correct unit. I would call and ask for a refund but i think i'd rather just resell it and take a little hit and do my part to help keep shops like Carl's going. If you are interested, let m eknow and i'll shoot you the part number so you can confirm that its the one you need.

Richard
 
Pertronix being more optimal from a maintenance standpoint of not have to adjust points, dwell, and timing. My personal opinion is that even points cost more money so going to a Pertronix or similar is a good solution. Cost less over time and better running for less maintenance. I run points- I don't mind the tune ups and I have a stash of them which will run out sometime.

I strongly believe that the benefit of Pertronix over points extends beyond just the economics. My coupe definitely starts quicker with the Pertronix. I can crank in more advance with the Pertronix, which should give benefits in performance / fuel economy (neither of which I have measured).

Bought my Petronix from LaJolla Independent / Carl Nelson.
 
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